Swimwear with tan through components

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed towards swimwear with tan through components. Embodiments of the present disclosure include an article of clothing including a bikini top and bikini bottom, each having at least one slider having a first wall integrated into the bikini and at least one strap engaged with the slider. In some embodiments, at least one strap of the bikini top and at least one strap of the bikini bottom is configured to allow the passage of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed towards swimwear.

BACKGROUND

Current swimwear options, including bikinis, often use straps to securely hold in place and position panels of the clothing. However, as a user's skin is exposed to sunlight the straps often leave the users with unsightly tan lines.

Conventional methods for addressing this problem include the use of strapless swimwear. However, strapless swimwear may not be adequate for providing support and securely holding the swimwear to a user.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed towards an article of clothing (i.e. swimwear) having straps that are configured to allow the passage of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. Accordingly, the straps may be “tan-through” in that, a user may be able to tan without having tan lines due to the strap.

In some embodiments, an article of clothing includes at least one fabric portion, at least one slider having a first wall configured to be integrated into the at least one fabric portion, and at least one strap configured to engage with the slider and allow the passage of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The fabric portion may include a bikini top and a bikini bottom. The strap may include a first end and a second end, and each strap is configured to pass through at least one loop of the slider between the first end of the strap and second end of the strap. The slider may be sewn into the at least one fabric portion. The strap may be configured to block at least a portion of the passage of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The strap may include silicone rubber. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one strap rests on itself, thereby creating a friction fit. In some embodiments, the slider may include a three-loop structure. In some embodiments, the slider may include a two-loop structure. In some embodiments the slider is formed of at least one of plastic, nylon-coating, metal and stainless steel.

In some embodiments, an article of clothing may include a bikini top including at least one slider having a first wall integrated into said bikini top, and at least one strap engaged with the at least one slider, and a bikini bottom including at least one slider having a first wall integrated into said bikini top, and at least one strap engaged with the at least one slider. The strap may be configured to allow the passage of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation.

Further, each strap may include a first end and a second end, and each strap may be configured to pass through at least one loop of the slider between the first end of the strap and second end of the strap. Additionally, the at least one slider of the bikini top may include a first wall sewed into said bikini top, and the at least one slider of the bikini bottom may include a first wall sewed into said bikini bottom. At least one strap of the bikini top and the at least one strap of the bikini bottom may be configured to block the passage of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. In some embodiments, at least one strap of the bikini top and the at least one strap of the bikini bottom may include silicone rubber. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one strap of the bikini top and at least a portion of the at least one strap of the bikini bottom rests on itself, respectively, thereby creating a friction fit. In some embodiments the slider of the bikini top and/or bikini bottom includes a three-loop structure. In some embodiments the slider of the bikini top and the at least one slider of the bikini bottom includes a two-loop structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a bikini in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a first state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a second state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a third state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a fourth state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a first state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a second state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a third state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3D illustrates a connector element of a bikini in a fourth state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap and connector element of a bikini in a first state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a strap and connector element of a bikini in a second state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C illustrates a strap and connector element of a bikini in a third state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D illustrates a strap and connector element of a bikini in a fourth state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a slider in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed towards an article of clothing (i.e., swimwear) that provides a solution to tan lines. In particular, the clothing may have straps that are configured to allow the passage of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. Accordingly, the straps may be “tan-through” in that, a user may be able to tan without having tan lines due to the strap. For example, in some embodiments, the straps may allow for approximately 65% of UVA rays to pass through, thereby allowing the skin located under the straps to tan.

Further, in comparison with conventional solutions that include the use of strapless swimwear, the present disclosure allows for the use of straps that are capable of providing a user with additional support. Advantageously, the straps may provide additional security and help assist in keeping the bikini in place while a user is participating in activities. Further, the straps may provide a more comfortable feel to a user in that they may be formed of silicone.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bikini 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated bikini 100 includes a bikini top 101 and a bikini bottom 103. The bikini top 101 may include a connector 111 configured to engage the bikini top 101 with the strap 109. The connector 111 may include one or more sliders, each having one or more loops configured to have a strap 109 pass through. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first end 113 of the strap may rest on a portion of the strap, thereby creating a friction fit. A similar mechanism is utilized by the bikini bottom 103. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bikini bottom 103 includes straps 105 having ends 117. The straps 105 are routed through at least one loop of a slider forming connector element 107, 115.

Bikini top 101 and bikini bottom 103 may include fabric configured to cover one or more areas of a wearer's body.

Straps 109, 105 may be composed of any material suitable for the transmission of UVA rays. Further, straps 109, 105 may be configured to block the transmission of UVB rays. In some embodiments, the straps 109, 105 may be composed of silicone, plastic, nylon, and/or filler materials. In some embodiments, the straps may be thin, clear, colorless and having the desired elasticity, flexibility and softness. In some embodiments, the straps may be transparent and/or translucent.

In some embodiments, straps 109, 105 may be composed of silicone based rubber components (e.g., SILMIX® by Wacker). In some embodiments, the straps 109, 105 may be approximately 0.0625 inches in thickness. In some embodiments, the straps 109, 105 may have a hardness of about between 50 A and 60A on the durometer scale.

Advantageously, as the straps are passed through one or more loops of a slider, the straps do not need to be sewn or adhesively attached to the bikini top 101 or bikini bottom 103. Accordingly, the structural integrity of the straps may be retained, as they do not need to be perforated to be sewn and/or attached. Further, as the straps may be configured to be fully detachable from the bikini top and/or bottom, the straps may be separately cleaned. Still further, as the strap is adjustable with respect to the bikini bottom and/or bikini top, the bikini can be appropriately sized to a user.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the process by which a strap 207 may be attached to a bikini panel 201 (e.g., bikini top, bikini bottom). As illustrated, the connector element that is configured to secure the strap 207 to the bikini panel 201 may include two slider elements. The illustrated slider elements each have two loops. A first slider element 203 may include one wall that is integrated with the bikini panel 201. As illustrated, a wall of the first slider element 203 may be surrounded by fabric from the bikini panel 201.

As depicted in FIG. 2A, a second slider element 205 may be initially spaced apart from the first slider element 203. A first end 209 of the strap 207 may be passed through a loop of the second slider element 205, and subsequently through a loop of the first slider element 203, and then back through the second loop of the second slider element 205.

As depicted in FIG. 2B, as the first end 209 of the strap 207 is pulled in the direction indicated by arrow A and then arrow B, the first end 209 of the strap 207 may then be passed through the first slider element 203 a second time, thereby pushing the first slider element 203 and the second slider element 205 closer together. The straps may be tightened by pulling in the directions indicated by arrows C and D.

As depicted in FIG. 2C, the first end 209 of the strap 207 may then extend from the first slider element 203. The first end 209 may then be passed through the second slider element 205 again, as indicated by arrow E.

As depicted in FIG. 2D, in the final state, the first end 209 of the strap 207 may overlap with at least a portion of the strap 207. The friction between the two portions of the straps may assist in keeping the strap 209 secure.

The second end 211 of the strap 207 may be attached to the bikini panel 201 in a similar manner to that described above.

FIGS. 3A- 3D illustrate the process by which a strap 307 may be adjusted and/or resized.

As illustrated, a bikini panel 301 (e.g., bikini top, bikini bottom). As illustrated, the connector element that is configured to secure the strap 307 to the bikini panel 301 may include two slider elements. The illustrated slider elements each have two loops. A first slider element 303 may include one wall that is integrated with the bikini panel 301. As illustrated, a wall of the first slider element 303 may be surrounded by fabric from the bikini panel 301.

As depicted in FIG. 3A, similar to the position illustrated in FIG. 2D, a first end 309 of the strap 307 may engaged with a first slider element 303 and second slider element 305 and be resting on a portion of the strap 307.

As depicted in FIG. 3B, to adjust the size of the strap 307, the strap 307 may be pushed through the second slider element 305 in the direction indicated by arrow F.

This may be done until the first end 309 of the strap 307 completely clears the loop of the second slider element 305, as is illustrated in FIG. 3C.

The length of the strap 307 can then be adjusted in accordance with the arrows depicted in FIG. 3D. The first end 309 of the strap can then be re-engaged with the second slider element 305 in accordance with the processes illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D.

FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate the process by which a strap 407 may be disengaged from a bikini panel 401. As illustrated the first end 409 of the strap 407 may be pushed through a loop of the second slider element 405 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4A.

This leaves the first end 409 of the strap 407 to extend from the loop of the first slider element 403 as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The first end 409 of the strap 407 may then be passed through the first slider 403 such that the first end is engaged with the second slider element 405 as illustrated in FIG. 4C.

Finally, the first end of the strap 409 may be disengaged from the second slider element 405, such that the first end of the strap 409 is completely disengaged from the first and second slider elements 403, 405. A similar process may be followed for the other end of the strap 411.

FIG. 5 illustrates a slider in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed above, in some embodiments, a connection element configured to engage the strap with a bikini top or bottom may include one or more slider elements. Slider elements may include one or more loops. In some embodiments, a slider may include two loops. In some embodiments, a slider may include three loops. A connection element may include one slider. A connection element may include two sliders.

Slider 500 may be composed of plastic and nylon coated metal and stainless steel. As illustrated, slider 500 may include two loops 505, 507, separated by a septum 509. Slider 500 may also include walls 501, 503, and the like. In some embodiments, a wall of the slider 500 may be integrated into the fabric of a bikini panel.

Although the present disclosure has been discussed in connection with a bikini, it is envisioned that alternative embodiments including one-piece bathing suits, tankinis, athletic clothing, and the like may utilize the disclosed straps and/or connector elements.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described in accordance with practical and preferred embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures may be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure which, therefore, should not be limited except as set forth in the following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. An article of clothing comprising: at least one fabric portion; at least one slider having a first wall configured to be integrated into the at least one fabric portion; and at least one strap configured to engage with the slider and allow the passage of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation.
 2. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one fabric portion comprises one of a bikini top and a bikini bottom.
 3. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap further comprises: a first end and a second end, and each strap is configured to pass through at least one loop of the slider between the first end of the strap and second end of the strap.
 4. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one slider is sewn into the at least one fabric portion.
 5. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is configured to block the passage of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
 6. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap comprises silicone rubber.
 7. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the at least one strap rests on itself, thereby creating a friction fit.
 8. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one slider comprises a three-loop structure.
 9. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the at least one slider comprises a two-loop structure.
 10. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the slider comprises at least one of plastic, nylon-coating, metal and stainless steel. 